A profile of National Theatre boss Nicholas Hytner in The New York Times has revealed some tantalizing tidbits about the forthcoming season.

A version of the Tristan and Isolde myth will be joined by a new show from avant-garde performance group DV8 as well as a first stage play by Steven Knight, the screenwriter behind “Dirty Pretty Things.” The trio of productions will join already revealed fare, including Mike Leigh’s new (and untitled) play; David Hare’s adaptation of Lorca’s The House of Bernarda Alba starring Penelope Wilton; and Michael Gambon as Falstaff in the two Henry IV plays. The 2005 season looks set to continue the blend of old and new that has so far characterized Hytner’s tenure (where Hare’s Stuff Happens rubbed shoulders with Iphigenia at Aulis).

Among future plans, Hytner told the newspaper that he would like to increase his company’s success rate at finding major new female playwrights. However, he added, female writers account for around only 15 percent of the scripts he gets sent.